Page 37 of Forensics of a Fable

“Oh god!” Violet yelped, launching the book she was holding at Bel, but when she saw it was only her friend, she burst intohysterical laughter. “Way to give me a heart attack! I had no idea you were on your way home.”

“What are you still doing here?” Bel asked, catching the enthusiastic Cerberus and sitting down on the floor to pull him into her lap.

“I saw you had this.” Violet picked up the book she’d thrown across the room, and Bel finally realized which title she held. “I tried to buy a copy the other day, but it was out of stock. I assumed it would sell out fast, but I didn’t realize just how quickly. I should have gone to the bookstore on my lunch break like I planned instead of waiting until after work… you aren’t upset, are you? I saw it sitting on your coffee table after I fed him, and I told myself I would just read one chapter.”

“Let me guess. You finished it?” Bel laughed.

“Almost. Hence, why I launched it at your face when you startled me.”

“It’s intense, right?”

“OH MY GOD.” Violet practically shouted. “I’m so scared. Your pitbull is the reason I stayed at your house. I would be too freaked out to read it alone with just my cats for protection.”

Bel kissed Cerberus and stood up, walking into the kitchen. “I had the same thought. It was so good, I finished it in one night, but then I choked my poor dog in his sleep because I hugged him too tight.”

“How do you do it?” Violet asked, and Bel looked at her with confusion. “How do you look death in the eyes and survive? This book is the most twisted and terrifying suspense thriller I’ve ever read, but it’s nothing compared to what you’ve been through in real life.”

Bel shrugged as she pulled a container of cooked rice and another of grilled chicken and vegetables out of the fridge. Cerberus stood behind her, bumping her calves with his nose to remind her he wanted a bite. “I don’t know.” She openedthe Tupperware and put some food on a plate before tossing her dog a chicken slice. “If I don’t help these people, who else will? Monsters walk this planet, and not the monsters of legend. Mankind is the cruelest predator of all, and I can’t let those criminals roam free.”

“You’re braver than I could ever be.”

“Are you hungry?” Bel asked, but Violet shook her head. “Wine?”

“Please.”

Bel put her dinner in the microwave and grabbed two glasses. “Do you want to take the book home? Or you can read it now in case you need the company.” She teased.

“I only have two chapters left. Do you mind? I can’t finish this alone.”

Bel smirked. “Especially with how it ends.”

Violet’s eyes widened, and she dove back into the book while Bel poured the wine and started eating. She watched her friend, trying desperately not to laugh at Violet’s reaction to the ending, and she felt bad that her dinner had stolen Cerberus’ comfort from her. She could tell Violet needed his safety to cling to.

“That’s it, I’m sleeping on your couch tonight,” Violet shouted, standing up and tossing the book to the cushions. “My god, that was good, but I think I’m having a panic attack. Also, you living in the woods is freaking me out right now.”

Bel shoved the wine at her friend with a laugh, and Violet drank half the glass down in one gulp.

“That was a great novel.” She smiled, sitting at the kitchen table across from Bel and placing her bare feet against the pitbull’s warm belly. “I can’t believe we have to wait until next year for the sequel after that cliffhanger.”

“I know. I shouted when I saw how it left off. It was 2:00 a.m., and Cerberus growled in his sleep at me.”

“He’s the best dog.” Violet scratched his beefy head. “And I was joking. I don’t need to stay here, but do you mind if I finish my wine and unwind?”

“Take your time. It’s nice to have someone to chat with. After the day I had, a normal conversation will help me relax.”

“The case that bad?” Violet asked, and Bel nodded. “Well, I no longer have a boss or a job with a schedule, so I can stay.”

“Still no idea how to move forward with Lumen’s Customs?”

“Actually, I met with your partner’s new boyfriend, Ewan Orso,” she said, and Bel turned her full attention to her friend. “He’s looking to transition from construction to furniture design, which is perfect for me. He seems keen to settle here in town, and if we could partner, it would mean I could keep Lumen’s Customs. I really don’t want to sell it or turn it into something else. It would destroy Mr. Lumen to know I lost his dream, so if Orso and I can come to an agreement, it would answer my prayers.”

“What do you think of him?” Bel asked, trying to maintain a casual voice, as if she was asking as Olivia’s friend and not a detective.

“Well, he’s gorgeous, for one.” Violet smirked. “Not as hot as Mr. Stone, but still gorgeous.” She nudged Bel conspiratorially, and Bel forced her face to remain neutral. “Olivia obviously knows him better, but he’s nice, loves furniture and nature, and seems decent. I don’t know him well enough to have much of an opinion.”

“But you don’t get a weird vibe from him?”

“No, I don’t think so.” Violet rubbed Bel’s arm. “Don’t worry about your new partner. Orso really likes her, and I understand. After Garrett, you’re probably terrified of someone hurting her, but he seems nice. Is there any particular reason you’re asking?”

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